Dental Floss – Tooth Be Told

Being a dental hygienist involves a lot of talking about dental floss. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Maybe not for the majority of people, but for me… I love talking about floss and all the differences between the main brands. All of my patients are different, with different dental floss needs, and what dental floss is made out of can have a big impact on that. Dental floss is made out of nylon, silk, polyester filaments, or corn PLA and is unwaxed or waxed. Waxed floss uses either microcrystalline wax, candelilla wax, beeswax, carnauba, castor oil and/or rice bran wax. Flavourings used for floss include essential oils, aromas and/or sweeteners. Below, I list the ingredients of 11 of the major dental floss brands in alphabetical order that I have used myself and recommend to patients (I never recommend a product that I have never used). I only included the brands I have used myself, so this is as authentic as possible! Read Now: How to String Floss; Steps of Use With Pictures Read Now: What Floss Do Dental Hygienists Recommend? Does It Matter? 1. Burst floss ingredient list Mint Eucalyptus Flavour Ingredient List: microcrystalline wax, aroma (flavour), charcoal powder, limonene, xylitol, sucralose, linalool, eugenol. *Mint Eucalyptus expanding floss contains both natural mint and essential oil. The formulation doesn’t contain any salicylates. Juniper Berry Flavour Ingredient List: microcrystalline wax, charcoal powder, maltodextrin, aroma (flavour), Juniperus communis fruit oil, cyclodextrin, citric acid, xylitol, sucralose, potassium sorbate, limonene. Both Burst floss products are made from texturized polyester! 2. Crest/Oral-B dental floss ingredients For the Crest/Oral-B ingredients, the function/explanation of each ingredient is in brackets for example; Beeswax (Gripability). Oral-B Complete Floss Picks Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), Gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), Mint (flavour), WS 3 (Coolant), FD&C Blue (colour), Polypropylene (Handle), PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) fibre (Cleaning). Essential Floss Unwaxed Ingredient List: Polyamide polymer (Nylon) (Fiber integrity), Polyether-polyamide block copolymer (Fiber feel), Flavour, Saccharin (Sweetener), Isoeicosane (Solvent), Glyceryl Oleate (Humectant), Tri(nonylphenyl) phosphite (TNPP) (Antioxidant), Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Surfactant), Cyclotetrasiloxane (Processing aid). Essential Floss Waxed Ingredient List: Polyamide polymer (Nylon) (Fiber integrity), Polyether-polyamide block copolymer (Fiber feel), Flavor, Microcrystalline Wax (Gripability), Saccharin (Sweetener), Isoeicosane (Solvent), Glyceryl Oleate (Humectant), Tri(nonylphenyl) phosphite (TNPP) (Antioxidant), Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Surfactant), Cyclotetrasiloxane (Processing aid). Essential Floss Mint Waxed Ingredient List: Polyamide polymer (Nylon) (Fiber integrity), Polyether-polyamide block copolymer (Fiber feel), Flavour, Microcrystalline Wax (Gripability), Saccharin (Sweetener), Glyceryl Oleate (Humectant) Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) (Antioxidant). Oral-B Super Floss Unflavored Ingredient List: Polyamide polymer (Nylon) (Cleaning), Polyacrylate (Fiber bonding), Microcrystalline Wax (Improved handling/grip), Isoeicosane (Viscosity), Glyceryl Oleate (Emulsifier), Cyclotetrasiloxane (Processing aid), Flavor, Hydrogenated castor oil (Surfactant), Saccharin (Sweetener), Tri(nonylphenyl) Phosphite (TNPP) (Antioxidant), Dualake Mint Green (Green colourant). Oral-B Super Floss Mint Ingredient List: Polyamide polymer (Nylon) (Cleaning), Polyacrylate (Fiber bonding), Flavor, Microcrystalline Wax (Improved handling/grip), Glyceryl Oleate (Emulsifier), Isoeicosane (Viscosity), Saccharin (Sweetener), Dualake Mint Green (Green colourant), Tri(nonylphenyl) Phosphite (TNPP) (Antioxidant). Oral-B Glide 3D White Floss Ingredient List: Floss (ePTFE), Flavor (Flavoring Agent), Acacia Senegal Gum (Adhesive), Beeswax (Binder), Water (Solvent), Potassium Acesulfame (Flavoring Agent), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Surfactant), Glycerin (Humectants), Silica (Abrasive). Oral-B Glide 3D White Floss Picks Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), Acesulfame (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), Mint (flavour), WS 3 (Coolant), Polypropylene (Handle), PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene ) fibre (Cleaning). Oral-B Glide Sensi-Soft Floss Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), Gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), Mint (flavour), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (emulsifier), PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene ) fibre (Cleaning). Oral-B Glide Plus Scope Outlast Floss Picks Ingredient List: Polypropylene (Handle), Polytetrafluoroethylene (Fiber), Flavour, Gum Arabic (Encapsulant), Beeswax (Grip), Potassium Acesulfame (Sweetener), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Emulsifier), Glycerin (Humectant), Silica (Dental Type NF Zeodent 119) (Abrasive), Water (deionized)(Solvent). Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Floss Picks Deep Clean Angle Ingredient List: Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) The material Glide floss is made of enables the floss to slide easily between teeth but makes it slippery to hold onto without the light coating of wax., Mint (Natural Flavor), Acesulfame K (Artificial sweetener), Gum Arabic (Thickening agent), Glycerin (Helps during processing), Silica (Cleaning), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Original Floss Ingredient List: Polytetrafluorethylene (Fiber), Beeswax (Gripability). Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Mint Floss Ingredient List: Polytetrafluorethylene (Fiber), Beeswax (Gripability), Flavour. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Advanced Floss Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), Gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame Potassium (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), peppermint oil (flavour), WS 23 (Coolant), Outlast (G180) (Coolant), Cetylpyridinium Chloride (Emulsifier), FD&C Blue no 1 (Colour), PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) fibre (Cleaning). Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Advanced Floss Picks (Only Version with no Wax) Ingredient List: Polypropylene (Handle), Polypropylene colourant (Handle colourant), Polypropylene nucleating agent (Additive), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Fiber. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Cool Mint Floss Picks Ingredient List: Polypropylene (Handle), Polypropylene Concentrate Blue 17633 (Handle Colorant), Beeswax (Gripability), Gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame Potassium (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), Peppermint Oil (Flavor), WS 3 (Coolant), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Emulsifier), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene )(fibre). Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss Ingredient List: Polytetrafluoroethylene Fiber, Flavor, Gum Arabic (Encapsulant), Beeswax (Grip), Potassium Acesulfame (Sweetener), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Emulsifier), Glycerin (Humectant). Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss Ingredient List: Polytetrafluoroethylene Fiber, Beeswax (Grip), Nylon filament (Threader), Hot-melt adhesive (Bonding). Oral-B Glide Floss Pro-Health Multi Protection Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), Gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame Potassium (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), Peppermint Oil (Flavor), WS 3 (Coolant), Outlast (G180) (Coolant), Sodium Pyrophosphate (Cleaning), Cetylpyridinium Chloride (Emulsifier and kill bacteria), FD&C Blue No 1 (Colorant), Yellow No 5 Colorant, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene ) fibre (Cleaning). Oral-B Glide Deep Clean Floss Picks Ingredient List: Polypropylene (Handle), Polypropylene colourant (Handle colour), Polypropylene nucleating agent (Additive), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) fibre (Cleaning), Flavour, Gum Arabic (Binder), Beeswax (Gripability), Acesulfame Potassium (Sweetener), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Emulsifier), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier). Oral-B Pro Health Comfort Floss Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), Gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), Water (Carrier), Mint (flavour), WS 3 (Coolant), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (emulsifier), PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) fibre (Cleaning). Oral-B Pro Expert Premium Floss Ingredient List: Beeswax (Gripability), gum Arabic (Binder), Acesulfame (Sweetener), Glycerin (Carrier), CPC (cetylpyridium chloride) (Emulsifier), Water (Carrier), peppermint (flavour), FD&C Blue (colour), WS 3 (Coolant), PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) fibre (Cleaning). MINT: Satin Floss/Satin Tape Ingredient List: Polyamide polymer (Nylon) Fiber integrity (strength), Polyether-polyamide block copolymer (Pebax) Fiber feel (lubricity), Flavour, Microcrystalline Wax (Gripability), Mineral oil (Carrier), Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (Antioxidant). UNFLAVORED: Satin Floss/Satin Tape Ingredient List: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) fibre, Nylon (Provides lubricity and allows easy insertion between teeth), Peabax (Provides lubricity and allows easy insertion between teeth), Microcrystalline Wax, Mineral Oil, and BHT Act as a binder for the powder flavour. 3. Cocofloss dental floss ingredients Cocofloss is made of polyester filaments infused with microcrystalline wax, coconut oil, essential oils, and aromas. It is also gluten-free and soy-free! The specific added ingredients for flavourings and aromas are indicated below for each flavour option: Delicious Mint: spearmint oil, corn mint oil, anise camphor, mentholFresh Coconut: triacetin, propylene glycol, ethyl vanillinPure Strawberry: Triacetin, propylene glycol, furaneol, leaf alcohol, methyl cinnamate, caproic acidCara Cara Orange: orange sweet oil, lemon oil, citral, lauryl alcohol Delicious Mint is 100% naturally fragranced. I love Cocofloss because it uses over 500 filaments of the polyester filaments that come together and act as a spongy string that grabs and holds onto the plaque really well to give a better clean than most of the smooth gliding floss!Holly Verran RDH I love this floss so much that I pay extra for it to be shipped to my home here in Canada! 4. Colgate dental floss ingredients Ingredient List: PTFE-free floss fiberMint flavour waxMicro-crystalline coating 5. Dr. Tungs dental floss ingredients Ingredient List: multi-filament polyester fibre, natural cardamom essential oil, vegetable/beeswax blend. It contains beeswax plus one or more of candelilla, carnauba, castor oil and rice bran wax. Dr. Tungs Smart Floss does not contain genetically modified ingredients, known allergens, phthalates, soy or silica and is dairy-free, gluten-free and fluoride-free. 6. GUM GUM has been extremely hard to reach and has not gotten back to me about the ingredients in their floss. I have recently sent several follow-up emails, but still no response. Poor communication from such a large company. 7. Johnson and Johnson Listerine dental floss ingredients I have been on the hunt for the complete list of ingredients of all the REACH/J&J/Listerine dental floss products. I never received a reply to my multiple enquiries, which I think is bad because ingredients should be easy to source. 8. Plackers dental floss ingredients Plackers are an awesome alternative to using string floss. I especially love the ones made for braces, and I always recommend them to my patients who are going through orthodontic treatment! Holly Verran RDH The following information was sent to me from the Plackers company. "Artificial mint flavour - polyethylene glycol, sucralose, food grade PEG, The materials in the Gentle Slide consist of a plastic handle is made of Acrylonitrile Butly Styrene and the floss fibre, made of PTFE. The only Plackers flosser that is made with PTFE is our Gentle Slide flosser. Our other flossers are made with UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene). No PFAS/PFOS was detected in third-party testing performed on Ranir PTFE floss fibre. All Plackers PTFE floss is subject to rigorous safety and quality assurance testing and complies with strict industry and government regulations. It is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and we stand behind the safety of our products." Read Now: Plackers vs String Floss: Do Picks Work as Well as String? 9. Quip dental floss ingredients I have only used Quip floss once because I ordered their battery-powered toothbrush. The floss was good quality but shredded a bit because my teeth are tight together. Quip Floss is made with a mint-flavoured expanding waxed nylon stringRigid end wax - Food-grade carnauba waxFloss wax - Vegan microcrystalline waxPre-marked ink - Food-grade dyeFlavour - Natural peppermintString is Vegan and KosherDoes not contain Gluten but may be made in a facility that works with other products that doFree of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is commonly found in Teflon, poly-perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)BPA-free 10. Radius dental floss ingredients Peppermint Sponge Floss- Virgin Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Erythritol, Soft Nylon Clove Cardamom Sponge Floss- Virgin Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax, Cardamom Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Erythritol, Clove Flavor, Soft Nylon Vanilla Mint Sponge Floss - Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax, Spearmint Oil, Vanilla Flavor, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Erythritol, Soft Nylon Biodegradable Green Tea Jasmine Silk Floss - Virgin Coconut Oil, Carnauba Wax, Oriental Jasmine Green Tea, Erythritol, Natural Silk Natural Biodegradable Silk Unscented- Natural Silk, Candelilla Plant Wax Natural Biodegradable Silk Floss Sachets – Natural Silk, Candelilla Plant Wax Vegan Xylitol Mint Floss Sachets -USA-made Xylitol, Natural Mint, Natural Tea Tree Oil, Vegan Candelilla Plant, Wax, Soft Nylon Vegan Xylitol Cranberry Floss Sachets - USA-made Xylitol, Natural Cranberry Essence, Candelilla Plant Wax, Soft Nylon 11. Toms of Maine dental floss ingredients Ingredient List: Beeswax, Carnauba wax, Natural Flavor, Jojoba Wax, Acacia senegal gum, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) resin extract, Propolis Cera, multiple nylon filaments woven together. I hope that you have found what you are looking for in this post. Dental floss can seem simple, but it really isn't, as they all vary in the materials and ingredients they are made out of. Keep up the flossing! Holly :)